The Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie" as it's come to be called, is no stranger to aquatic lore. The creature is said to inhabit a deep lake in Inverness, Scotland, and claims of its existence have filled newspapers, airwaves and the Internet since the 1930s.

Arguably, Nessie has become the most famous of all serpentine beasts since it was first spotted loping across the road toward the loch in 1933 by a couple driving in the area. There are, however, earlier reports of Nessie sightings. Some of the accounts date back to the sixth century, when Nessie was said to be a murderous beast that was later calmed by St. Columba (a monk who converted most of Scotland to Christianity). But no report or legend has as much credibility as the sightings that began in the early 1930s.

Skeptics claim Nessie is a myth. Scientists suggest "she" is a prime example of mistaken identity. Legitimate or legend, Nessie will forever be known as the queen of the Loch Ness.